Five ideas on how to make our towns and cities smart

Celebrating the uniqueness of each location

Every town and municipality is unique – shaped by its people, history, architecture, economy, culture and political structures. This individuality forms the basis of any smart city strategy. Not every digital solution is suitable everywhere. Local authorities that understand their profile, strengths and vision for the future are better placed to decide which technologies make sense. Demographics, mindset and historical circumstances shape the urban landscape and determine which smart approaches will really make a difference.

Involving citizens from the outset

Transformation can only succeed if people are brought on board. Citizens possess knowledge, experience and clear ideas about what their living environment should look like today and tomorrow. That is why we need participatory and information formats that reflect diversity and take people’s everyday lives seriously. The crucial question is: “What specific added value does this innovation bring to me?” Often, small, low-threshold solutions – digital public services, public Wi-Fi, smart transport solutions – are more effective than large, abstract projects.

A smart city is well connected

Networks are the driving force behind every smart city. Knowing and involving the relevant stakeholders in a community makes local authorities resilient and independent. A systematic analysis of local and regional businesses, social organisations, initiatives and start-ups lays the foundation for strong partnerships. Examples such as the networking evenings in Schwandorf demonstrate how exchange fosters innovation: at these events, businesses present ideas, products and services that contribute to the further development of the town centre. At the same time, it is worth looking beyond the region – successful examples from other towns can provide inspiration and be adapted to local contexts.

Thinking holistically: technology is just one building block

A smart city is more than just a digital city. Technology only works if it is embedded in a holistic concept that takes social, cultural and societal needs into account. Innovation must be low-threshold, citizen-centred and accessible to all. A truly smart city grows alongside its residents – it does not race ahead of them. Successful smart city strategies combine technological developments with social factors such as participation, education, inclusion, mobility and quality of life.

Celebrating successes, acknowledging failures

How well are new digital solutions being adopted? What works – and what doesn’t? Local authorities are constantly learning as part of the smart city process. Successful initiatives should be clearly communicated and celebrated. At the same time, it is part of a smart city’s maturity to be transparent about failed attempts and to speak openly about why something did not work. Trial and error is part of the transformation. Exchanging ideas with other cities and regions can provide valuable inspiration, provided that local specificities are taken into account.

An open dialogue and transparent processes strengthen trust, foster acceptance and help towns and local authorities to implement digital and social innovations sustainably and effectively.